Temporary water discolouration clearing following proactive maintenance
17 October 2024
The City of Cape Town is receiving reports from multiple areas that discolouration of tap water is clearing in the eastern and central parts of the city. The temporary discolouration followed proactive maintenance on the bulk water network, which required that parts of the system be shut off to facilitate repairs. The system has since been successfully recommissioned. As a safety precaution, residents are advised to boil their water before drinking if it appears to be discoloured.
Areas in the central and eastern regions affected on 17 October 2024 included: Strand, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park, Lansdowne, Belthorn Estate, Lentegeur, Lotus River, Claremont, Pelikan Park, Portland, Philippi, Crawford, Macassar, Ikwezi Park, and Primrose Park.
A number of reports have been received from residents confirming that water in multiple areas has since cleared.
To ensure the safest quality water in compliance with SANS241 standards, the City is conducting ongoing water sampling and will provide an update once the next round of results are available tomorrow.
All of the aesthetic qualities of the drinking water are also being tested to ensure that it is clear and palatable for consumers.
Residents are advised to:
- Boil discoloured tap water for one minute and leave it to cool naturally before consumption.
- Residents who are unable to boil their water can mix 1 teaspoon of unperfumed household bleach in 20 – 25 litres of water and let it stand for at least two hours before using it.
- Always store purified water in clean, covered containers.
Report water quality complaints:
Should the discolouration continue, residents must report it to one of these channels so that further samples can be taken:
The City sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
